McGuire, Thomas Buchanan, Jr. "Tommy"

Date of birth:: August 1st, 1920 (Ridgewood/New Jersey, United States)
Date of death:: January 7th, 1945
Buried on:: Arlington National Cemetery
Nationality:: American

Biography

Thomas B. McGuire crashed with his Lockheed P-38 Lightning into the jungle at Negros Island on January 7, 1945. He was killed on impact.

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Medal of Honor - Army (MoH)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major
Unit:: 431st Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: March 7th, 1946

"He fought with conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity over Luzon, Philippine Islands. Voluntarily, he led a squadron of 15 P-38's as top cover for heavy bombers striking Mabalacat Airdrome, where his formation was attacked by 20 aggressive Japanese fighters. In the ensuing action he repeatedly flew to the aid of embattled comrades, driving off enemy assaults while himself under attack and at times outnumbered 3 to 1, and even after his guns jammed, continuing the fight by forcing a hostile plane into his wingman's line of fire. Before he started back to his base he had shot down 3 Zeros. The next day he again volunteered to lead escort fighters on a mission to strongly defended Clark Field. During the resultant engagement he again exposed himself to attacks so that he might rescue a crippled bomber. In rapid succession he shot down 1 aircraft, parried the attack of 4 enemy fighters, 1 of which he shot down, single-handedly engaged 3 more Japanese, destroying 1, and then shot down still another, his 38th victory in aerial combat. On 7 January 1945, while leading a voluntary fighter sweep over Los Negros Island, he risked an extremely hazardous maneuver at low altitude in an attempt to save a fellow flyer from attack, crashed, and was reported missing in action. With gallant initiative, deep and unselfish concern for the safety of others, and heroic determination to destroy the enemy at all costs, Maj. McGuire set an inspiring example in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service."

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major
Unit:: 431st Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: 1945

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 431st Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces in December 1943, during air missions in the Southwest Pacific Area of Operations. During the period from 7 December to 26 December, Major McGuire shot down a total of TEN enemy aircraft. Major McGuire's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces."

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 2